Need help choosing mid-fi HT receiver (Onkyo 709, Denon 2312, Marantz SR5006)

I'm looking to replace my 10+ year old Kenwood receiver which is beginning to give me trouble. This purchase would be the first step in upgrading my entire system, which is of a similar vintage as my current receiver. I don't want to have to replace this thing for another decade.

This system is used primarily for video (Blu-ray/DVD/HD cable). When we listen to music through it, it's primarily as background; it will not be used for critical or high-volume music appreciation.

Primary considerations (must have):

• Component video out (to feed my existing HDMI-less CRT display, which I am not wishing to replace immediately)
• Support for multi-room, multi-source configuration (minimum 2-zone, 3-zone would be awesome)
• Support minimum of 7.1 channels
• Price of no more than $600 (I'm not afraid of refurb/open box/gently used)

Secondary considerations (like-to have):

1. Networked w/ DLNA support (AirPlay support is not a priority)
2. Internet music support (preferably Spotify and/or Pandora)
3. Good Android remote app
4. Phono input for the 2-3 times a year I break out the vinyl
5. HDMI upconversion from any source (including s-video)
6. Support for 4K video (future proofing)

Based on these considerations I'm leaning toward the Onkyo TX-NR709, which seems to check all the boxes. I've also considered the Denon AVR-2312CI (Denon's least expensive model with component video out) and the Marantz SR5006.

Does anyone have hands-on experience (pro or con) with any of these models that they can share? Any other brands/models I should be looking at? Any other features or specs that you feel are particularly important to consider?

I've seen those refurbs, but thanks for bringing them up. 3310 is two "generations" behind, any idea what features Denon has added/improved in the last two iterations? I was leaning toward Denon when I started doing this research, but the biggest downside to me is their lack of a supported Android app -- I'm not an Apple guy.


Yeah, I agree 4K is a pretty minor concern (heck, I don't even have a 1080P display at this point), but in 10 years, who knows. One of the reasons I'm shopping for a new receiver at this point is that my current doesn't have HDMI, so I'd like to avoid a similar situation down the road.

Thanks for your input!

Good point. The only reason I want the component out is so that I can swap out the receiver independent of buying anything else. My current system is all component video, so the idea is that as long as the receiver I purchase has a component out I can simply plug and play with my existing gear. I'm planning to upgrade my television in the (hopefully) near future, but I don't want to have to try to get both a new receiver and a new tele past the goalie (my wife ) at the same time.

The problem with that is that I'd like to hold off on the display until I remodel my family room because I don't have a good spot now to set/mount a 42"+ display. My current receiver is starting to go (we had a leak and it got some water in it), so it needs replacing first. Hence the need for the component out. I guess I could try some kind of HDMI-to-component adapter until I replace the display, but that seems like a kludge.

Thanks for the tip...that's where I was seeing the 2312 under my price cap.

I'm really more interested in "which of these is the best receiver in this range given my needs?" than I am in "how/where can I get the best deal?". I've found places where I can get any of these receivers within my budget, but I want to make sure I choose the right one.

Thanks for the very specific answer. Think I'll probably eliminate that option.


I did see that app, but it's not an "official" app from Denon (I believe Denon does offer an iOS app). I just wonder if it's as feature-rich as the Onkyo app see as how it's made to support such a large number of receivers? Do you have any experience using this app? I've downloaded the, but you can't do much with it until you connect it with a receiver. The Onkyo app is certainly better looking.

Love it! How long have you had this receiver? Can you share any pros or cons? What other receivers did you consider before getting the 709?

Yeah, I'm noticing that Onkyo's declining reliability is a bit of a theme in several threads. I guess that's maybe the trade-off for all the features they're able to cram into the price-point, which is a shame.

I realize you've had some issues with your receiver, but other than that how do you like it? Have you used the smartphone remote app? Would you not consider Onkyo for your next purchase due to the reliability issues you've encountered? Thanks for sharing your input.

Now let me think, was that five shots, or six?

Thanks for the link. I really appreciate that I don't see a lot of that "Let me Google that for you, moron." tone on these forums.

Unfortunately there's not much in that thread (or anywhere on these forums that I can find) as far as anyone sharing their experience with the AVR-Remote app.

Dang...that's a LOT of speakers!


I'm curious why you see the Gibson acquisition as a potential plus for Onkyo?